Refugee claimants could increasingly migrate to Canada as a result of hardening immigration policies in the European Union, according to a declassified intelligence report obtained by the National Post.

Canada could become a “preferred destination over the EU” for those seeking refugee status, as anti-immigration sentiment rises in Europe and the continent tightens its borders, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) report said.

The report — dated October 2015 but only recently released under the Access to Information Act — did not anticipate a large influx from Europe, citing the high cost of reaching Canada as well as safe third country policies.

The sharp increase in refugee claims Canada is currently experiencing has been attributed partly to U.S. President Donald Trump’s election win, but the report suggests that Europe’s security concerns and unease over refugees could also drive asylum seekers to Canada.

“Since 2014, unprecedented numbers of refugees and irregular migrants from the Middle East and Africa are entering the EU via sea and land routes,” said the report by the CBSA’s Intelligence Operations and Analysis Division.

“As the EU tightens its borders and asylum policies in response to the influx, Canada may increasingly be considered by persons seeking refugee protection,” said the briefing report meant for enforcement officers.

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